Kenya U-20 coach vows to fix defensive issues ahead of Flying Eagles clash

Kenya U-20 head coach Anthony Akhulia has promised his side will adopt a more disciplined defensive approach when they face the Flying Eagles in their final Group B match at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

With zero points from their first two games, Kenya sit at the bottom of the group. They must defeat Nigeria and rely on results from other matches to stand a chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Akhulia acknowledged that defensive errors have cost his side in previous matches and emphasized the need for a more focused performance against Nigeria.

“We’re having lapses in concentration towards the end of the first half. It happened again, just like in the first match,” he said.

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“Basically, I think there were moments we were supposed to rise, but we let Tunisia take control of the match. That was our biggest letdown. It’s not right.”

He added that the issues are not down to individual players but rather a collective shortcoming.

“It’s a team problem. You can’t single out individuals. It’s something we need to work on before we face our next opponent. It is a concern for me and our technical bench.”